Ohioans want comment period extended for state oil and gas rules

By Nadia Ramlagan

Ohio regulators said the state’s existing rules for the oil and gas industry do not need any changes but environmental groups disagree.

Every five years, the rules covering permits, safety, well provisions, pollution prevention and more are up for review.

Becca Pollard, executive director of the Buckeye Environmental Network, explained the state is currently experiencing rapid oil and gas development, largely to meet the voracious energy demands of data centers.

"On top of that, just a few years ago, our Ohio state parks were opened up for fracking. Those are both things that are new since the last time these rules were updated," Pollard pointed out. "A lot can change in a five-year period."

According to federal data, Ohio is one of the top 10 natural gas-producing states and its natural gas output quadrupled over the past decade. The state is also the top oil producer east of the Mississippi River, reaching a record high of almost 37 million barrels in 2024.

The public comment period on the “no changes” proposal closed yesterday. Pollard argued two weeks is not enough time for the public to understand what’s at stake and have the opportunity to have their voices heard.

"We'd like them to change the rules so that they are required to not only allow more time for public comment but also to better publicize comment periods like this," Pollard urged.

Pollard added Ohio communities are dealing with the fallout from numerous oil and gas sector environmental violations, including wastewater injection, pipeline leaks, illegal brine disposal and air pollution.